May 202008
Jill and I took a trip to New York City last Monday through Wednesday. It was the first time in the Big Apple for both of us. Here are some things I observed:
- People don’t talk to one another on public transportation.
- At least half of everyone in New York has an Ipod or MP3 player with earphones in their ears. Maybe this is why they don’t talk to each other.
- People are in a hurry!
- No gas stations in Manhattan.
- I was overwhelmed by the sea of yellow cars!
- Lots of babies and lots of adults….not much in between.
- Space is a premium.
- Its all about the money!
Things I learned from a churchplanting/pastor perspective:
- People are hungry for community but afraid to risk it. It is safe to hide behind an Ipod.
- You can be fulfilled with measurable success working 70+ hours a week and avoid the risks and rejection associated with relational fulfillment………for a while.
- My stereotype of New York people being rude and obnoxious was blown away. New York people were extremely nice and helpful. Stereotypes aren’t always true.
- New York subways are underground and remain unseen until they are needed. They are absolutely necessary to the daily success of everything in New York. Lesson: Probably the most valuable and necessary systems in a church are easily taken for granted, but the unseen systems that are working out-of-sight during the week are more important than what happens on Sundays. Subways move people in position to grow and do their job. Systems in a church move people in position to grow spiritually and connect relationally. We must develop “subway” systems in our church to move people efficiently!
- Make the most of what you have. In New York people have to make the most of their space. In churchplanting, resources are not always abundant and we have to learn how to make the most with what is available.
- People can’t function without other people. Although it may seem safe to hide behind an ipod, at some point you have to take the earplugs out and interact with other people to survive. Relationships done right makes for a great church!
- People are moved by service and kindness. Seeing how New Yorkers have responded to “outsiders” love, care, and kindness following 9-11 has opened them up to further dialogue concerning spiritual and truth issues. You can see how overwhelmed people in New York have been to the kindness of the nation and the world.
- Money does not solve all of our problems. New York is the financial capital of the world and you still see people struggle with significance and meaning.
- People long for truth in a relational context. People want more than just the right answers. People are longing for a relationship with the “Living Answer”.
